Google Camera on Xiaomi: How to install and configure correctly in 2026

Xiaomi’s standard MIUI camera is often inferior in image processing to third-party apps. One of the most popular solutions is Google Camera (GCam), which, thanks to HDR+ and Night Sight algorithms, can dramatically improve detail, color reproduction and night shooting. However, installing GCam on Xiaomi has nuances, from choosing the right version to manually configuring configuration files.

In this guide, we’ll go through all the steps from checking your model’s compatibility to fine-tuning the parameters for maximum quality. You’ll learn which versions of the GCam run consistently on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5, how to get around the limitations of MIUI and avoid common bugs. And secret chips that even experienced users often miss.

Why is Google Camera better than the standard MIUI camera?

Google's image processing algorithms are considered some of the best in the industry. Unlike the standard Mi Camera app, which often overdoes noise reduction and contrast, GCam retains natural colors and details even in challenging environments.

• 🌃 Night Sight – night shooting without noise and with the right exposure (on some Xiaomi exceeds the regular night mode by 2-3 times).
• 📸 HDR+ Enhanced – Extended dynamic range without loss of detail in shadows and lights.
• 🔍 Super Res Zoom – digital zoom with less quality loss compared to the top MIUI.
• 🎭 Portrait mode with more accurate background blur (bokeh) and processing of the edges of objects.

There are drawbacks too: GCam can brake on weak chipsets (e.g. Snapdragon) 6xx), It doesn't support all functions MIUI (For example, Magic Clone or AI Watermark, and some models require manual adjustment XML-But the result is worth it.

Compatibility: What is Xiaomi running Google Camera?

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support GCam out of the box.

• 📱 Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon (any) or MediaTek Dimensity (newer versions only, such as Dimensity 9000)+). On the old Helio (G85, G95) GCam is working with errors.
• 🤖 Android Version: not lower than Android 10 (on Android 9 and older, crashes are possible).
• 📷 API Camera2: It must be activated (checked through the Manual Camera Compatibility app).

Important: On models with a MediaTek Helio processor (e.g. Redmi 9A, POCO M3), the GCam will either not start or will give a green screen, except for the new Dimensity 1080/1200 chips, but manual adjustment is required.

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Before installation, check the support Camera2 API via Camera2 API Probe (available in the Play Market) if in the section HARDWARE_LEVEL indicated LEGACY — GCam will not work.

Preparation of the smartphone before installing GCam

To avoid errors, follow these steps before installing:

Remove the cache of the standard camera in Settings → Applications → Camera → Memory

Disable battery optimization for GCam in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization

Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings → Security

Download the latest version of Google Play Services (required!)

Backup photos (in case of resetting settings)-->

If your Xiaomi is running a MIUI 14+, you can also:

1. Open Settings → Special Features → Enlarge and disable Gesture Increase (conflicts with GCam gestures).
2. Settings → Screen → Resolution set the maximum resolution (for example, FHD+ instead of HD+).

⚠️ Note: On some firmware (for example, MIUI Global Stable) GCam may not save photos to the gallery. Solution: in GCam settings, select the save folder /DCIM/GoogleCamera.

Where to download Google Camera for Xiaomi?

Officially, GCam is only available for Google Pixel smartphones, so Xiaomi uses modified versions from the community.

• 🔗 Telegram channels: @GCamMods — Current builds for Snapdragon. @XiaomiGCam — version XML-Configured for specific models.
• 🌐 Forums: Celso Azevedo - the largest database of versions. XDA Developers – Thematic Branches for Each Model.

For convenience, we have collected relevant links to the best versions for popular Xiaomi models (2026):

⚠️ Warning: Do not download GCam from unknown sites - many builds contain malicious code or ads (MD5) post-download.

Google Camera installation on Xiaomi

Installation of GCam on Xiaomi consists of 3 steps: installation of APK, setting up permissions and (if necessary) downloading of XML-config.

1. Install APK: Transfer the downloaded.apk file to your phone's memory. Launch the installation and allow access to Camera, Microphone and Files.
2. First run: GCam will request permissions when it first opens - provide everything, including Exact Location (required for geotags). If the app crashes, clear the cache (Settings → Apps → Google Camera → Memory).
3. Setting up XML-Configuration (if required): For some models (e.g. Xiaomi) 13 Ultra) needs additional configuration files. XML for your model (for example, Xiaomi_13_Ultra_BSG.xml) and: 1. Create a GCam folder at the root of the memory. 2. Inside it, create a Configs folder. 3. Place it. XML-file. 4. In GCam, tap twice on the black area next to the down button – select config.

If GCam does not save a photo after installation, check:

• 📁 Foldering rights DCIM.
• 🔄 Save mode in GCam settings (Settings) → Conservation → Format).
• 🛠️ No conflict with MIUI Optimizations (disable in Settings) → For developers → MIUI Optimizations).

Optimal settings for Google Camera for Xiaomi

Even after installing the GCam requires fine-tuning to a specific model, here are the universal guidelines for most Xiaomi:

📷 The main parameters of the shooting

• 🔘 Regime. HDR+: Turn it on. HDR+ Enhanced (in Libs settings) → HDR+ parameters).
• 🌙 Night Sight: Set High Quality and Turn Off Auto Timer (Otherwise, Photos Will Be Blurred).
• 🔄 Preservation format: Select JPEG + RAW (If you need to edit the photo later).

⚙️ Hidden settings (for experienced ones)

To open advanced settings in most versions of GCam:

1. Twice tap on the black area next to the down button.
2. Select Tools → Settings → Advanced.
3. Activate:

AWB (white autobalance) → Disable (if the colors are too warm)


Noise Model → High Quality (to reduce noise)




Sabre → On (Improving Details)

Critical setup for Xiaomi with wide-angle camera: in file XML find a line <Integer name="back_aux_camera_id" value="2" /> and change the value to 1 (This will correct the green hue on the ultra-wide).

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On models with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (Xiaomi 13, POCO F5 Pro), enable the Use Aux for Tele option in the GCam settings, which will improve zoom shooting quality.

Common Problems and Their Solutions

Even after installing GCam correctly on Xiaomi, errors can occur, and we have collected the most common and ways to fix them:

If the GCam is not focused:

1. Check if the lens is covered with a protective film or cover.
2. In GCam settings, disable Macro Mode (if any).
3. Reset the camera settings to standard (Settings → System → Resetting).

⚠️ Note: Xiaomi with MediaTek Dimensity processor 1080/1200 (For example, Redmi Note 12 Pro+) GCam can overheat your smartphone during long shooting. Use a cooling stand or limit the time you record video to 5 minute.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Google Camera on Xiaomi